Instagram

Since 2014 Neil has been using Instagram as a space for innovative storytelling. By stripping down journalism techniques, focusing on the tension between image and text, and collaborating with talented partners, he's found this social platform can deliver an intimate experience of character, place, and ideas.

It's his favorite place to tell true stories.

photo by Randy Olson

photo by Lindsey Addario

photo by Neil Shea

Instagram storytelling is part journalism, part design challenge, part quantum exercise, and word-picture stories can even be gathered into news coverage or larger documentary projects. Neil has given a TED talk on how experimenting with this form has changed the way he sees and writes. He's also published some thoughts on how using short-form techniques can complement other types of storytelling. Below, an article, some works-in-progress, and two interviews with Neil about this work.

I've also been asked to speak and give workshops about storytelling concepts and methods, and I've collaborated with some excellent clients and talented photographers to explore what's possible with short narrative. Some of these are listed below; more info can be found in the section on Teaching + Speaking.